The short answer
- Best beaches and islands
- Thailand
- Most dramatic scenery
- Vietnam
- Easiest for first timers
- Thailand
- Best journey
- Vietnam, north to south
These are Southeast Asia's two favourite first trips, and both are wonderful. The choice comes down to what you want most from your holiday.
Side by side
| Vietnam | Thailand | |
|---|---|---|
| Scenery | Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Sapa's terraces | Jungle in the north, limestone islands in the south |
| Beaches | Good: Phu Quoc and the central coast | Excellent: Andaman Sea and Gulf islands |
| Culture | Imperial Hue, Hoi An, wartime history | Temples, royal palaces, Buddhist traditions |
| Food | Fresh, herby: pho, banh mi, bun cha | Bold, spicy: curries, pad thai, som tam |
| Ease of travel | Easy, but more spread out | Very easy, well developed tourism |
| Typical trip shape | A north to south journey | Bangkok, the north, then islands |
| Best time | March and April for the whole country | Roughly November to February for most regions |
Choose Vietnam if...
- You want a journey through very different regions in one trip.
- Landscapes like Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh are top of your list.
- You love food culture and history.
Choose Thailand if...
- Beaches and island hopping are a big part of the trip.
- You want the easiest possible first trip to Asia.
Compare Thailand tours.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Vietnam or Thailand cheaper?
Both are good value. Day to day costs are similar; Vietnam is often slightly cheaper for food and guides.
Can I visit Vietnam and Thailand in one trip?
Yes, with a short flight between them, but three weeks or more is best so you are not rushing.
Vietnam month by month
More Vietnam guides
Best time to visit Vietnam: north, central and south explained
Vietnam has three climates. March and April are good everywhere; the north is best in spring and autumn, the centre from February to August and the south from December to April.
Updated 14 October 2026
Vietnam month by month: weather, festivals and where to go
A month by month planner for Vietnam: the weather in each region, the festivals worth timing a trip around, and where to go.
Updated 14 October 2026
How many days in Vietnam? Routes for 7, 10, 14 and 21 days
One week suits the north or the centre, two weeks covers north to south with a Ha Long Bay cruise, and three weeks adds Sapa, the Mekong and a beach.
Updated 14 October 2026
Ha Long Bay cruise guide: which bay, how long and what it costs
One night is the sweet spot. Choose Lan Ha or Bai Tu Long Bay for fewer boats, or Ha Long Bay for the famous caves. Live prices for 1 and 2 night cruises.
Updated 14 October 2026